Fiona Sharman and her daughter, Christine, became business partners almost by fate and while neither planned for it, the recipe has been one that has succeeded both for their enterprise and Cochrane as a whole.
In June of 2012 Fiona, moved from the world of construction and geo-technical engineering to open Global Pet Foods Cochrane, which is in Historic Downtown. When she and her husband were looking for business ideas a very important consideration led to the idea of a pet food and supply store.
“Mike and I decided what kind of business could I get into and bring my dogs to work,” she said.
Five months later, Christine, who was working as an esthetician hurt her hand and came to work at the store on what was initially a temporary basis.
A year-and-a-half ago, Christine became a full partner in the store.
Christine said she loved her work as an esthetician and misses it but added, “I couldn’t have asked for a better second job.”
Both mother and daughter say their team dynamics have worked to help the business thrive.
While the store’s success can be easily seen when walking into the space, which recently expanded, it is also felt in the community.
Fiona said over the past two years Global Pet Foods Cochrane has been able to donate $50,000 annually - in cash and gifts in-kind – to community initiatives, with a heavy emphasis on helping animals.
The store’s ability to dole out that kind of charity is something the Sharmans attribute to the support they receive from the community.
Christine’s involvement also ensures the business strategy of the store, which includes the annual support of Cochrane, will continue in Fiona’s absence.
“I want to step down eventually,” she said.
For now, the pair are content working together and Christine said she couldn’t be happier going to work every day with her mom – normal family dynamics aside.
“There are days we want to kill each other and we have to stay at other ends of the store, but for the most part I am thankful I get to work with my mom,” she said, adding not everyone is as lucky to have their mother so involved in their life. “I cherish every day with her.”
Fiona and Christine wouldn’t say what plans are next for the store now that the expansion is complete, but did hint that they always have a few surprises up their sleeve.
